Berry: Councilors’ Criticism Crossed Line

Mayor Richard Berry lashed out at four City Council Democrats on Friday, accusing them of “political posturing” and attacking the men and women of the Albuquerque Police Department.

Berry’s harsh words came a day after the councilors called on the mayor to take action to restore trust in the Police Department following 23 shootings since the beginning of 2010.

Berry said the councilors insinuated that officers involved in the shootings “did not act responsibly.” He said officers have faced bayonet and knife attacks and been shot at from point-blank range.

“I’m an elected official — I signed up for this, and frankly am not surprised or bothered by it — but our officers didn’t sign up for this attack on their credibility,” Berry told reporters at a news conference. “A line was crossed by these four councilors yesterday when they chose to use the men and women of the Albuquerque Police Department for their political gain.”

You can find a story on just what it was that set the mayor off here.

Update:

City Councilor Debbie O’Malley said Friday that it’s “ridiculous” for the mayor to characterize the council letter as an attack on officers. “That’s not a fair statement at all,” she said.